First time out in my Bristol 34 Racer/Cruiser Yacht! Check it out! I had to go down for one more final check list, before I headed out for good at the end of this month. Once I get out there, I will be uploading new videos, stay tuned for more!

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Picture this: you’re sailing through the stunning, turquoise waters of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, the sun shimmering on the sea, the wind gently nudging the sails. Suddenly, from the deck of your boat, you hear the unmistakable voices of Jamaican women singing Harry Belafonte’s iconic "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)." Their harmonious voices rise and fall with the waves, bringing the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean to the serene beauty of the Mediterranean. That was my experience on a recent sailing trip in Croatia, and it’s a moment that will stay with me forever. The Jamaican Spirit on a Croatian Boat My travel companions for this adventure were a lively group of Jamaican ladies, and let me tell you, their energy was absolutely infectious. As soon as we set sail, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just any ordinary boat trip. These women brought with them the warmth, rhythm, and spirit of Jamaica. And nothing captured that vibe more than their love of singing. It didn’t take long before they started belting out the familiar refrain of Harry Belafonte’s "Banana Boat Song"—a song that’s not only beloved in Jamaica but around the world. Their voices rang out over the water: “Day-O! Day-O! Daylight come and me wan' go home.” As the boat glided across the Adriatic, their voices filled the air, perfectly in tune with the rhythm of the ocean. The "Banana Boat Song" was a fitting choice for the moment—its lively beat and call-and-response lyrics had everyone joining in, whether we were from Jamaica or not. We clapped along, laughed, and sang together, our voices mixing with the wind and waves. A Cultural Fusion on the Sea One of the most amazing things about this experience was how the spirit of Jamaica blended so seamlessly with the Croatian setting. The Jamaican ladies brought their culture to the forefront, and the "Banana Boat Song" became a symbol of this fusion. As we sailed from island to island, their voices were like a constant companion, bringing life and warmth to the journey. Whether we were passing through the bustling port of Hvar or anchoring in a quiet bay off the coast of Brač, the sound of their singing was the soundtrack to our adventure. It added an unexpected yet delightful Caribbean rhythm to the calm Mediterranean atmosphere. The famous chorus of "Day-O" echoed across the waters, sometimes drawing curious looks from passing boats. It was as if the song itself was bridging two worlds—Caribbean and Mediterranean, sun-drenched islands on opposite sides of the globe, connected through the universal language of music. Anchoring in Paradise: Singing Under the Stars One of the most magical moments of the trip came on our third night. We had anchored in a secluded cove near the island of Korčula, with no other boats in sight and the stars shining brightly overhead. After a day of exploring and swimming in the impossibly clear waters, we gathered on the deck to relax. And that’s when the Jamaican ladies began to sing again. But this time, the mood was softer, more serene. As the boat gently swayed on the water, they started with a slow, soulful version of the "Banana Boat Song." Their voices carried across the bay, echoing off the cliffs. The familiar lyrics, "Daylight come and me wan' go home," took on a new meaning in the peaceful stillness of the night. There was something deeply special about that moment—being surrounded by the natural beauty of Croatia, with the sounds of Jamaica in the air. It felt like we were part of something timeless, a shared human experience that transcended borders and cultures. The Power of Music and Friendship Sailing with these incredible Jamaican women taught me the power of music to create connections, no matter where you are in the world. Harry Belafonte’s "Banana Boat Song" became more than just a fun tune to sing—it was a bridge between different cultures, a way of expressing joy and togetherness. In the quiet moments of sailing, when all you could hear were the sounds of the sea and their voices, it felt like music was the language we all spoke. And even though we came from different backgrounds, we shared something beautiful—laughter, music, and an unforgettable adventure. Final Thoughts: Sailing, Singing, and Savoring Life Croatia’s stunning coastline provided the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary journey, but the real magic of this trip came from the people I shared it with. Sailing with a group of Jamaican ladies who filled the air with the sounds of Belafonte’s "Banana Boat Song" added a layer of joy and cultural richness that made the experience truly unique.

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Day 34. The wind has died. Completely. Which means I’ve been hand steering… all day. It’s already been about 24 hours of it. Somehow, I’ve managed to get more sleep than I expected, just in short breaks, grabbing rest when I can. The track is definitely a bit zigzaggy… but honestly, overall it’s been pretty good. And I’ve actually felt quite good today. A lot more energy than I thought I would have. And then… we hit 100 nautical miles left. Holy Cannoli. That’s ridiculous. To celebrate, I jumped in for a swim to check the bottom of the boat. The swim itself was amazing. Warm water, clear, just floating there in the middle of the Atlantic thinking… this is insane. But the hull… Not amazing. It’s completely covered in barnacles. Way worse than I expected. It honestly feels like it must be slowing me down by at least a knot, maybe more. Not ideal at all. So now I’m thinking I might have to haul out in St. Martin, which really wasn’t part of the plan. I’ll see if I can clean some of it, but it’s pretty bad. But… not worrying about that right now. Because I’m so close. 100 miles to go. That’s nothing. Right now, it’s just about enjoying these last moments out here. Time to celebrate a little. 🌊 ⚓ Life on the Showgirl is my journey toward one of the toughest solo sailing races on the planet: the Golden Globe Race — sailed solo, non-stop, and without modern technology. Follow along as I learn, prepare, and chase a dream that feels bigger than me. ------------------------------------------ New videos EVERY 7th of the month ------------------------------------------ EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!!: https://www.patreon.com/classicmara ------------------------------------------ Follow Mara: https://www.instagram.com/classicmara_/ __________________________ Support me: PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/helgamarielk Vipps: 39088 - Classic Mara Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/griedy1 GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/173a9a5e6 __________________________ Affiliate links: Dakota Lithium Batteries: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=79634&awinaffid=2732466&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dakotalithium.com Orca Navigation System: https://getorca.com/?via=classicmara PitViper: https://www.pitviper.com/discount/CLASSICMARA?redirect=%2F&utm_campaign=money%2Bcounters&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=upfluence

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https://www.scanboat.com/en/boat-market/boats/sailingboat-x-yacht-x-34-ton-mk-2-17523488 Sailingboat - Både sælges, X-Yacht X-3/4 Ton MK 2, 1985 DKK 145.000 Scanboat An Outstanding Sailboat: The 3/4-TON ICON That Marked Niels Jeppesen’s Breakthrough with X-Yachts If you want to sail past almost every other boat in its size class—both in height and speed—this fine X-3/4-ton might be the right boat for you. We’ve pampered and refined this boat, restoring it with elegant details it wasn’t originally born with. This is a second-generation model (MK-II), featuring an elliptical keel and rudder. With around 2 tons of lead keel on a 3.4-meter-wide hull, the boat is very stable, and with its newer mast and rod rigging, you’ll have a vessel that will serve you well for...

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DISCOUNTED CATAMARAN CHARTERS VIA OWNERS TIME! We’re a group of catamaran owners whose primary focus is to provide you with owner’s time on boats in large charter fleets. We help you enjoy time on luxurious catamarans at deeply discounted rates rather than letting the time go to waste. We’re a small business, committed to serving with a personalized touch. Detail to us your sailing desires and we will provide you with a customized quote for a luxurious experience at a price you can afford.

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